College Raptor Staff

Applying to college can be challenging, and so we at College Raptor feel it's our duty to make that process as easy, smooth, and rewarding as possible. We work hard to clarify dense material, dispel myths, uncover information, and help you learn what you need to know!
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questions & answers

Should I Attend Community College First?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
Most community colleges are two-year institutions. There are many reasons that attending community college for two years and then transferring to a 4-year university is a good idea. However, there may be a few circumstances in which choosing this path may not be beneficial for you. Understanding the benefits and downsides of attending community college …
student loan interest rates
student loans

The Importance Of Student Loan Interest Rates

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
When you take out a student loan, you have to pay it back with interest. Think of interest as the cost of borrowing money. As you’re applying for a student loan—either federal or private—you’ll come across an interest rate. In fact, the interest rate is one of the most important elements of a student loan. …
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financial aid

The Question-By-Question FAFSA Guide

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on July 28, 2023
The question by question guide provided below is an amazing resource for people who filed the FAFSA prior to 2022. For the most current FAFSA Guide, click here. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid—or FAFSA—is a form that determines a student’s financial need level, and opens the opportunity for federal scholarships, grants, work study …
Calculator - student loan interest rates are calculated differently based on the type of loan
questions & answers

How Are Student Loan Interest Rates Calculated?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
If you took out student loans, you know that you have deal with interest rates. Interest rates have a big affect on the overall cost of your student loan. But how the interest rates are calculated for each type of student loan? We outline the answers below: How Federal Loan Interest Rates are Calculated The …
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student loans

Pros And Cons Of Paying Off Student Loans Early

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
If you have the money, (maybe you got a generous birthday gift or a bonus at work), should you use it to pay off your student loan early or should you look into investing it? It’s a good, solid question and one that most new grads ask when they come into some extra money. The first …
federal student loan interest rate
questions & answers

Federal Student Loan Interest Subsidy: What Is It?

By College Raptor StaffLast updated on December 22, 2022
When it is time to start repaying your federal student loans, if you are not earning enough to cover your monthly payments, you have the option of choosing an income-driven repayment plan. While researching these, you may have come across the term ‘federal student loan interest subsidy.’ Let’s dive into what that means. Income-Driven Repayment …

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